"I don't have the money to pay it. My sis and I are barely getting by as it is with bills and everyday necessities," he took a deep breath, "I told my father that I'd never get mixed up in anything, but he kinda set me up for this one." He looked up at Jonathan. "What could I do to repay it without actually paying money?"

Jonathon smiled, a smile that indicated he knew something Cass didn't. "What skills do you have son?"

Cass shrugged, smiling wryly, "Lots of nothing really."

Jonathon nodded. "You remind me...of me," he said with a chuckle.

"Well..." he sighed and just sat there, not really sure of what to say.

"There's nothing wrong with that, son. Just don't sit around and end up a lonely ol' bachelor like me."

Cass smiled, "I don't plan to. But, seriously, what can I do?"

"Think about what you have to offer. You don't want to walk in to talk to my brother unprepared. If you want to, I'll even go over to the Morgan's and meet you to discuss this. When talking with my brother, if you make a good argument, he'll be more likely to accept."

Cass frowned, "I don't know what I have to offer. I've worked so many jobs that I'm basically mediocre at nothing in particular," he sighed, "What I really don't want is for my sister to get into any of this. At all. I mean, I'm willing to do almost anything to keep her out of this and keep her from knowing anything."

Jonathon nodded. "That is a very noble thing to wish for. If that is stated as part of the deal you make with my brother, he will follow it. He has several clients who feel the same way about their siblings."

Cass nodded and then looked at his watch. "I really should be getting back before my sister starts worrying." He stood up and extended his hand to Jonathan, "Thank you for talking and listening. We can talk more when you come by the Morgan's."

Jonathon nodded. "When should I stop by Morgans?"

"Whenever you have the time." he started for the door, "And if you wouldn't mind letting me know when your brother's open for a visit, I'd be grateful."

Jonathon stood and followed him to the door. "I will do that. See you later."

"Oh, one last thing." Cass was suddenly serious, "When and where is the funeral?"

"In two days at that Church down on Hill street," Jonathon answered.

Cass nodded, "I plan on being there."

Jonathon nodded. "Thank you." He sighed. "Well, I shall see you later at Morgan's."

Cass nodded and left.

((To Morgan's))

NINE MONTHS LATER

Addy stumbled down the stairs with a reluctant sigh. Usually she would never have gotten up so early on a Sunday morning but she had gotten into the routine, lately, of going for a morning run just to clear her head and get her mind off... things. Glad that she could find no one around, she slipped on her sneakers and slipped out the door, shaking out her legs. The last thing she needed was questions about what had happened with... and nor did she need to think about it.

She shook her head and started off with a sigh, making certain to head int he opposite direction of the Morgan House. Awkwardness this early in the morning on a Sunday was also something that she did not need in the least.

Samara woke up and practically jumped out of bed, rushing over to grab some clothes and quickly throw them on. She didn't put on her shoes and, holding them in her hand, she opened her bedroom door and looked around, all the while listening for anything down the hall. Hearing her father's rather audible snoring she sighed in relief before sliding out of her room and closing the door quietly. As quickly as she could move without making noise, she ran down the stairs and headed out of her home. She couldn't stay there much longer; she needed to get away for a little while. Her father had been too watchful lately.

Closing the door, she walked away from her home. A walk would do her some good.

((From Hotel))

Samara snuck back into her home and crept up to her room, deciding after looking in the mirror that she needed to wash up. Grabbing her things she headed for the bathroom and locked herself in it. She took off her clothes as the bathtub filled up with water then she stepped in and sank down into it.

((From Morgan House Speakeasy))

Addy climbed the stairs, aiming for the bathroom only to find it locked. She could have easily broken in but it was probably just Sammy hogging it or something. She shrugged, feeling strange after her encounter with Josh and retreated to her bedroom. She figured she could smell for a while as she thought things over.

Samara heard someone try to get in the door and decided that it was now time to finish her bath. She drained the tub and got out, wrapping a towel around herself.

She walked down the hall and knocked softly on Addy's door. "Addy, did you want the bathroom?"

Sniffing when Samara spoke through the door, Addy wiped at her eyes that had started tearing up. She hated crying and there was absolutely no reason for it. Two months for goodness sakes. She cleared her throat before answering softly,

"Yeah, thanks Sammy."

Samara stared at the door. "Addy...are you alright?"

She sniffed again,

"Yeah. Fine." she assured her, wiping at her eyes defiant of her tears. She didn't need them. "I'm just fine."

"You don't sound like it," Samara replied. "I...I just want you to know that you can talk to me...about anything."

Geno knocked on the door, fedora in hand.

(From hotel.)

Jonathon opened the door. "Geno, come on in."

He nodded and steeped in.

(You have to refresh my memory on who some of the holdens are.)

((Lucas is the head of the Holden family, and Jonathon is the carefree youngest brother))

"How are you?"

"Doin' alright."

"Good, that's good." Jonathon smiled. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Came to see your dad."

((I think you mean brother...not dad))

"I don't know where Lucas is right now. Would you like to wait for him?"

"Sure."

(Guess so..eating dinner brb.)

Jonathon gestured towards the living room. "Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Naw, I'm just fine."

Jonathon nodded and plopped down in his chair.

He picked the closest one and lit a cigerete.

Jonathon sat there for a minute then picked up the paper.

"What you been up to?"

(Think about Emma at all?)

Jonathon shrugged. "Not much. Just the usual."

((Hm...yeah, it could be interesting))

He smiled. "If only a were twenty again.

(I just need something to show he's evil and we *cough* you could always make another wh- if we need one.)

Jonathon smiled. "I'm thirty-four, Geno."

"Don't look it; and that's like twenty to me."

Jonathon shook his head. "I guess that could be a compliment."

"I turn forty-one tomorrow," he reminded himself bitterly.

Jonathon raised an eyebrow. "You aren't much older than me Geno. There's nothing wrong with getting older. In fact, I've heard that some young women like that."

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